MPP Jim Wilson had Queen’s Park (both sides of the legislature) in stitches with some jokes that played on his long career as a PC and his help campaigning for Christine Elliott in her bid for the PC leadership.
The Simcoe-Grey MPP, now sitting as an independent, stood up to raise the issues of the Collingwood and Alliston hospital redevelopments.
“I’m used to standing ovations,” joked Wilson, and he laughed when a few MPPs nearby stood up to clap for him.
Wilson directed his question to Elliott, now the deputy premier and minister of health and long-term care. Wilson helped Elliott campaign for the leadership of the Ontario PC Party, and that included a visit to Collingwood and other areas of his riding.
“As you know, for many years my riding has been fighting for the redevelopments of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Alliston’s Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” said Wilson. “They’ve done everything asked of them by your ministry. In fact, they kind of feel like they are being run around right now.”
During a question period on Wednesday (March 6) Wilson asked Elliott to give “some indication” for when the hospitals would receive approval from the Ontario government to proceed to construction.
“As you know, under the previous government they were ignored for 15 years,” said Wilson, a smirk beginning to form on the left corner of his mouth.
The legislature erupted in laughter and applause, with audible “ha ha ha’s” coming from the opposition side, and some snickering from the governing PCs.
Elliott, who was laughing too as she began her response commended Wilson for his advocacy on behalf of his riding.
“I am sorry that you were ignored for 15 years, but please be assured that is not happening now,” said Elliott. “As you know, we do have a rigorous process for approving capital projects and we are paying attention to the needs of your communities and to the expressions of interest.”
The speaker turned it back over to Wilson, who noted his “little jab” to the independents may have lost him his coalition.
More chuckles from the MPPs.
Wilson pointed out Collingwood’s hospital is operating at 100 per cent capacity and is facing growth projections over the next 14 years in the 30 per cent range.
“These communities are ready,” said Wilson. “Will you come up and tour the Collingwood and Alliston hospital and see, first-hand, the need?”
Elliott responded saying she was aware of the needs of his riding and others across Ontario and the Collingwood and Alliston hospitals were not the only ones operating at 100 per cent capacity.
She said it was one of the reasons for hallway healthcare, and continued to talk about hallway healthcare statistics and the PC mandate to “end hallway healthcare.” Her microphone was cut off before she finished.
She did not respond to Wilson’s invitation to tour the Collingwood and Alliston hospital.
Click here to watch the video from question period.
